2003 Free Game of the Year

There are so many quality Free RPGs on the Internet that, even though
Free games are considered for the Indie Game of the Year Award, they
really deserve their own category. This category honors the game designers
who make their works of passion and then offer them for free.

The Finalists and Selected Peer Feedback

Active Exploits 2nd Edition
While I normally dislike diceless games, Active Exploits makes me
want to try it. The built-in conversion to dice rules makes the
system appealing to many different styles of gameplay.

It's all in there.

AE is a very cool system. It is the only diceless system I would consider
using, because unlike most 'GM decides what happens next' games, it's
actually a game. It works great and applies easily to a wide variety
of genres.

The Basic System
I really like it's ability to bridge the Fuzion system with the D20
system.
Very friendly system to use weither you are a fan of D20 or Fuzion.
Love the system and it makes gaming easier for my players.

FATE
FATE has everyone talking, and everyone playing it. From its reputation,
it's given FUDGE a new edge and a new life. It's the free game you'd
pay money for.

FATE takes the bad stereotype of "Free RPG"; that is an
unsupported game of loose notes thrown together that are barely understandable
let alone playable; and beats it over the head with a porcelain toilet
lid until it dies. It is one of the best Free RPGs... ever.
FATE is a model for FUDGE adaptation - comprehensive, clearly presented,
and with minor rules innovations that flesh out the system without
altering it beyond recognition.

The Valedictorian's Death
The concept is innovative and fun, and it's free.

I know I'm starting to sound like a total Czege mark here, but he
pulled off another winner with the Valedictorian's Death. Great symmetry.

vs Monsters
It is the game I am most likely to play as presented rather that adapting
to another system.

The Runners Up

3rd Place, with 16 Points

ACTIVE EXPLOITS 2nd EDITION

2nd Place, with 21 Points

THE BASIC SYSTEM

And the Winner, with 57 Points, is...

FATE (Fudge FATE) This game should cost a lot of money.
The fact that it's free in no way makes it any less of a game.
In fact, it's superior to almost all games that are charged
for - to say nothing of other free games.